This collection was a little bit difficult to grasp in terms of consistancy and unity however the switch between the delicate white swan and modern day Chic African woman was one thing that was able to be distinguished. Rose attempted to re-introduce the oversized sleeves alongside a sleek silhouette and utilized the print on print trend crowned by Olowu and JBL. She managed to pull it off and I have to class the centre split Maxi skirt and long sleeved blouse as the favourite outfit. Of course I’m sure the glorious white swan lake number caught everyones attention, though in terms of everyday wearability- Rose’s traditional print garments work best. Simple classic feminine cuts for the Maxi dresses and suits rolled out in traditional prints, tweeds and satins was the predominate make-up for this assemblage, with some extreme decorative feather chokers for this unkown theme.

Bridget Awosika:

A definite favourite so far, Miss Awosika has raised the bar on African Fashion yet again. Her beautiful culmination of sweet oranges and royal blues with sharp accents of black to tie it all together worked ever so well. This collection was hard to find fault with and I could have coveted every piece for my wardrobe. We saw plenty of asymmetrical cuts, fancy robe-like dresses with thigh revealing splits and cute boleros with matching fabric panels to the high waisted trousers. Awosika’s use of drape in her garments was cleverly done so that the figure wasn’t too heavily covered – but still allowed for the female silhouette to stand out. It was either/or with the necklines, switching between the high neck and plunge cuts – something for eveyone. I admire Awosika’s bravery in delivering garments with massive assymetrical cut-outs and would have to class the royal-blue caped jump-suit as the Fav!

Amazing work!

Images: Kola Oshalusi

HFA is choosing to feature select designers from the Arise Magazine Fashion Week Show this year until the full basis/criteria on which the designers are given to show with the platform is clear.